Chicago Resident’s Wish Comes True

Wins Illinois Lottery $1 million Instant Prize

For Immediate Release

Contact: Karina Rosado (773) 569-1342

Chicago, IL—August 15, 2013 — Edgardo Torres never imagined his wish to win a million dollars would come true. “I couldn’t stop shaking when I saw the $1,000,000 prize on the ticket. I still can’t believe I really won!” said the Puerto Rican native after winning a top prize playing an Illinois Lottery $200,000,000 Cash Spectacular instant ticket.

Torres went to the store with his eldest son to cash in a $10 winning instant ticket he bought the day before. While there, a picture of a previous $1million lottery winner caught his attention. He looked at the clerk and said “I would love to become your next lucky million dollar winner.” Despite being rushed by his son to go home, the Chicago resident decided to use his $10 winnings to buy another ticket. “I am glad I listened to the voice inside my head and not my son!” he said excitedly.

Once at home, Torres used a nickel to scratch his ticket and couldn’t believe what he saw. He went to the living room to share the news with both his sons, who started jumping up and down. “Seeing them so happy made me smile. I suddenly realized that taking care of their education will be easier now,” he said. In addition to investing in college funds for his boys, ages 8 and 14, Torres plans to use the lottery windfall to buy a new home and take his children to visit family in Puerto Rico. When asked if he had advice for other lottery players he said, “Play with faith.”

An occasional Illinois Lottery player, Torres bought his winning ticket at Smokey Bear’s, 8701 South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus, equal to 1 percent of the prize amount, for selling the winning ticket.

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $18 billion to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital Projects Fund and to special causes like Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to playing in-store, the Illinois Lottery offers online and mobile play for Mega Millions, Powerball and Lotto at www.illinoislottery.com. Players must be at least 18 years old.

Play Responsibly. Must be 18 or older to play. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). For more info or to exclude yourself call 1-800-252-1775.

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